COTRANSMISSION Meaning and
Definition
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Cotransmission refers to the concurrent release of multiple neurotransmitters or neuropeptides from a single presynaptic nerve terminal in the central nervous system (CNS). It involves the simultaneous release of neurotransmitters with different chemical structures and functional properties, which can modulate the signaling and activity of postsynaptic neurons.
Traditionally, the nervous system was believed to predominantly rely on the action of a single neurotransmitter for transmitting signals across synapses. However, cotransmission has been discovered to be a common phenomenon, widening our understanding of neural communication. This process allows for more diverse and complex signaling, providing a means for the fine-tuning of neural circuitry and adaptive responses to various physiological and environmental demands.
Cotransmission occurs through the mechanisms of heterosynaptic facilitation or corelease, where different signal molecules are stored in separate vesicles within the presynaptic nerve terminal. Upon an appropriate stimulus, these vesicles fuse with the membrane and release their contents into the synaptic cleft. The released neurotransmitters or neuropeptides then bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, initiating specific cellular responses. This simultaneous release of multiple signals allows for the modulation of synaptic transmission, plasticity, and the integration of different information in the brain.
Overall, cotransmission plays a vital role in the dynamic regulation of neural circuitry and contributes to the complexity and versatility of information processing in the CNS. Studying cotransmission mechanisms provides insights into the fundamental mechanisms underlying brain function and its alterations in various neurological disorders.
Etymology of COTRANSMISSION
The word "cotransmission" is a combination of the prefix "co-" and the noun "transmission".
The prefix "co-" is derived from the Latin word "com-" meaning "together" or "with". It is commonly used to indicate jointness or partnership.
The noun "transmission" is derived from the Latin word "transmissio", which means "the act of sending across". It has been used in English since the late 16th century to refer to the process of transmitting or conveying something from one place to another.
Therefore, "cotransmission" combines these elements to imply the joint or simultaneous transmission of something. In the context of biology or neuroscience, "cotransmission" refers to the phenomenon in which multiple neurotransmitters are released simultaneously from a single nerve terminal to transmit signals in the nervous system.
